2023 is ‘banner year’ for PH peace process — Galvez

The year 2023 is a “banner year” for the Philippine peace process which the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) believes is a testament to the current administration’s “unwavering commitment” to realizing its peace agenda for the nation.

OPAPRU Sec. Carlito G. Galvez Jr. said major milestones have been achieved in the comprehensive Philippine peace process under the Marcos administration’s five-point peace, reconciliation and unity agenda this year.

The five-point peace, reconciliation and unity agenda refers to a whole-of-nation approach in realizing the national government’s peace-building and development initiatives.

Amid the backdrop of the Ukraine-Russia war and the Israel-Palestine war, Galvez noted that the Philippines “is looked upon by the international community as a beacon of hope and inspiration for its successful peace-building efforts.”

“Our country has shown that good things come to those who choose and walk the path of peace. Let us continue doing so and become a beacon of hope, mutual understanding and solidarity,” Galvez said.

“We would like to assure you that the Marcos administration is determined to push forward, build upon and sustain the gains of the comprehensive peace process,” he added.

Bangsamoro Peace Process

One of the biggest achievements considered by OPAPRU this year was the progress made under the Bangsamoro Peace Process.

According to Galvez, the Bangsamoro Parliament has passed five of its seven priority codes which aims to improve the socioeconomic conditions of its people and boost the region’s economy.

The codes include the Administrative Code, Civil Service Code, Electoral Code, Local Government Code, and Education Code.

“The crafting of these codes is an indication that the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) has really gotten stronger, especially in terms of passing key legislation that will unlock the full economic potential of the region and bring economic progress to the people,” Galvez said.

Further, all seven mechanisms of the National Government – Bangsamoro Government Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) have been established and are now functioning, according to the peace adviser.

The IGRB mechanisms include the Philippine Congress-Bangsamoro Parliament Forum (PCBPF); Intergovernmental Fiscal Policy Board (IFPB); Joint Body for the Zones of Joint Cooperation (JBZJC); Intergovernmental Infrastructure Development Board (IFPB); Intergovernmental Energy Board (IEB); and Bangsamoro Sustainable Development Board (BSDB); and the Council of Leaders.

“With the accomplishments of the IGRB this year, we have no doubt that the body will be able to sustain its momentum in 2024, as it effectively addresses pressing issues brought to its attention, and help uplift the lives of the Bangsamoro people,” he said.

The peace adviser also pointed out that the major improvements in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) poverty, human development, and growth incidence were “solid indications” that the region’s economy “is gaining momentum and is on an upward trajectory.”

Decommissioning process

Galvez also cited the successful decommissioning of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants, which is a key component of the Normalization Program under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

According to Galvez, a total of 26,145 former MILF combatants have been decommissioned so far and “are now living as peaceful and productive civilians in their communities.”

Decommissioning is the process wherein former combatants lay down their arms and return to mainstream society.

“These former MILF combatants are now fighting a different battle and that is, a battle to improve their socioeconomic well-being and create a better future for themselves and their families,” Galvez said.

Moreover, he said the Transformation Program for Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) combatants, which was launched in October this year, is anticipated to uplift the lives of the group’s members and empower them as agents of peace and development.

Amnesty program

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s granting of amnesty to rebels and insurgents is also considered by Galvez as an integral part of the comprehensive peace process.

Last month, Marcos issued Proclamation Nos. 403, 404, 405, and 406 which granted amnesty to rebels and insurgents who have decided to return to the folds of the law.

These includethe Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF); Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB); Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF); and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

According to Galvez, the initiative will foster genuine healing, reconciliation, and deepen the trust and confidence in the government which is needed for the economy to grow while building on the gains of peace.

“It is a path towards normalization that would allow former rebels not only to fully reintegrate themselves into mainstream society as peaceful, productive and law-abiding citizens, but more importantly, enable them to rebuild their lives and ensure a better future for themselves and their families,” Galvez said.

Ending armed conflict

Relatedly, the Philippine government and the NDFP, the political component of the CPP-NPA, held a series of back-channeling and exploratory talks which resulted in the signing of the Oslo Joint Communique last November 23 in Oslo, Norway.

This marked both parties’ agreement to resolve all socioeconomic drivers of the armed conflict and end the five-decade-long armed struggle of the communist groups through peaceful means.

“The intention of the parties is very clear — this is to end the armed conflict, to end armed struggle, and [begin] the transformation of the CPP-NPA-NDFP,” Galvez said, who announced the peace breakthrough in Malacañang on Nov. 28.

KAPATIRAN, Cordillera Peace Process

Galvez likewise mentioned that the government’s peace processes with the Cordillera Bodong Administration-Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CBA-CPLA) and Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB), now called KAPATIRAN, are “moving forward”.

“The government continues to implement a Normalization Program for both groups that enable its members and their families to improve their socioeconomic well-being,” Galvez said.

Galvez expressed confidence that the former members of the CBA-CPLA and KAPATIRAN will “serve as shining examples for others to give up armed struggle, and embrace a peaceful and productive life.”

Social Healing, Peace Investments

The OPAPRU, through its Social Healing and Peace-building Program (SHAPE), also helps to mend the torn social fabric of society caused by armed conflict through peace conversations and other peace-building initiatives.

By working closely with its international and local partners, Galvez said the OPAPRU aims to directly address the roots of violence that is being used by terrorists and extremists to bring in recruits into their fold.

The OPAPRU launched the fourth generation of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace, and Security (NAPWPS) 2023-2033 in early December with the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), civil society organizations and the international development community.

The NAP WPS is the Philippine government’s commitment to the United Nations Security Country Resolution (UNSCR) No 1325, which calls for women’s participation in conflict prevention and resolution, peace negotiations, peace-building, peacekeeping, humanitarian response, and post-conflict reconstruction.

The OPAPRU, under its Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan or PAMANA Program, is also building much-needed infrastructure projects that are helping to bring social cohesion, and create more livelihood opportunities for residents in focus areas nationwide.

“The bulk of OPAPRU’s nearly P7 billion budget for 2024 will be used to fund the PAMANA Program, which seeks to bring essential government services closer to the people, especially in remote, undeveloped communities in focus areas,” Galvez said.